Residual Powder in Dillon Powder Measure

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Bosn Ski

Bosn Ski

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I just finished up my 200th round on my new XL750. (WOW!!! So much faster that my LCT!)

When I pour out the unused powder, there is residual powder sticking to the sides and the baffle inside the hopper.

Prior to the first use, I wrapped a dryer sheet around the powder measure, as this worked on my Lee powder hopper for static.

Should I have done something to the measure before the first use?

Is there something other than the dryer sheet (and tapping on the side of the measure) to get all the residual powder out?

I plan on only using one toolhead with different powders, so I don't want to mix the powders.

Thanks,
Ski
 
The dryer sheets will help but time will do the best. Over time, a layer of graphite that is used to coat the powder grains will coat the insides of the measure. Then it will be easier to get the last bits of powder out of the measure.

A way to build up this layer faster is to run a pound or so of powder through the measure.

Lastly, once you get the coating established, do not clean it off or you will have to re-establish the coating. Dust wipe the powder measure out with a dry cloth if you want to clean out any loose dust.
 
I don't know if this works or not, but I have been told that you can put a plastic powder hopper and in this case you could remove the clear plastic tube, and let it sit in Soapy water that was made with dawn detergent and let it sit for 20-30 minutes. Don't rinse, but just let it air dry, it will leave a coating that will keep powder from sticking. The method I use is spray lightly with scotch guard and let it dry. Takes all the static out and as @cfullgraf stated, graphite will eventually build up and it will go away on its on.
 
This time of year is bad for static, it just something you have to put up with.
You could borrow some of your wifes Ststic Guard and drift some down in there and give it about 10 minutes to work.
 
Don't know about the 750 but I like the pyrex hoppers so much more than the plastic. They don't discolor, don't breakdown over time, don't spill, etc.

I bought mine from https://dramworx.com/ - not cheap but they work for me.
 
after wiping the inside with a dryer sheet i use a shop vac as i cycle the powder bar measure back and forth inverted. i also wipe the powder funnel with the sheet and push it back and forth while in the drop position while keeping the shop vac on.
 
tcj said:
Don't know about the 750 but I like the pyrex hoppers so much more than the plastic. They don't discolor, don't breakdown over time, don't spill, etc.

I bought mine from https://dramworx.com/ - not cheap but they work for me.
Click to expand...
This is what I use also on both presses on my bench...Hornady LNL AP and the Dillon 750

The thing to be aware of using these hoppers is that the baffle is manufactured to stay in the hopper along with the metal base. After you initially pour the powder in the hopper out, you need to rotate the powder measure so that the half-moon cuts are at the 12 and 6 o'clock position to free the powder trapped by the baffle

dramworx.jpg
 
When I got my Hornady measure I cleaned it per the instructions. Then I went and bought a little tube of powdered graphite and dumped the whole thing in. Put the cap on the measure and shook it vigorously. Then ran the powder out by working the handle up and down.

Powder never stuck once and I don't think ever will.
84ff1a.jpg
 
Last edited:
cfullgraf said:
The dryer sheets will help but time will do the best. Over time, a layer of graphite that is used to coat the powder grains will coat the insides of the measure. Then it will be easier to get the last bits of powder out of the measure.
Click to expand...
Or you can buy a tube of graphite powder from the Lock section of the local hardware and dribble some of that in there.
 
1) If you'll look carefully, I think you'll see that most of the "hanging powder" is simply trapped under the built-in powder baffle. When you have your funnel in the powder can, simply pour the main amount of powder out of the hopper, then rock it once again and the minor amount trapped under the hollow baffle will follow on the second pour.

2) After the hopper is empty, there will still be a small amount trapped inside the "powder bar". You can then hold the measure upright over the funnel in your left hand, and defeat the outer catch cam with your right hand and simultaneously operate the powder bar mechanism by moving the inside cam. Do this 4 or 5 times over the funnel and your powder measure will be completely empty.

Tip: The addition of a powder measure quick release will make this a very fast procedure. Click Here

Hope this helps.
 
rfwobbly said:
1) If you'll look carefully, I think you'll see that most of the "hanging powder" is simply trapped under the built-in powder baffle. When you have your funnel in the powder can, simply pour the main amount of powder out of the hopper, then rock it once again and the minor amount trapped under the hollow baffle will follow on the second pour.

2) After the hopper is empty, there will still be a small amount trapped inside the "powder bar". You can then hold the measure upright over the funnel in your left hand, and defeat the outer catch cam with your right hand and simultaneously operate the powder bar mechanism by moving the inside cam. Do this 4 or 5 times over the funnel and your powder measure will be completely empty.

Tip: The addition of a powder measure quick release will make this a very fast procedure. Click Here

Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Everything helps. I did notice the powder under the baffle and remnants in the powder bar. Right now I take off the whole tool head and dump the powder back into the jug just as you described.

I've been debating the quick release system you linked since I started my Dillon research. I am really learning toward the system as handling the whole tool head is awkward.

My major concern was the individual grains of powder sticking to the sides and to the underside of the baffle. I have noticed there is less and less of these individual particles each time I pour the powder out. Using the advice here: I have filled the hopper up to the top each reloading session. I wiped the inside of the hopper with a used dryer sheet and wrapped the sheet around the hopper. All seem to help. In my OP I was reaching out as I thought I missed something special that needed to be done to a brand new powder hopper to prevent the powder from sticking to the sides.

Thanks!
 
Bosn Ski said:
I've been debating the quick release system you linked since I started my Dillon research. I am really learning toward the system as handling the whole tool head is awkward.
Click to expand...
Interim Fix: Simply loosen the 2 screws that retain the Powder measure to the Tool Head. If you have a "ball end" 7/32" hex key, then they work the best. Those 2 screws don't need to come off or out. The Powder Measure will come free long before the screws are all the way out.

When you reinstall the Powder Measure, slip it down onto the Powder Die and snug the 2 screws back up. Those 2 screws do not need to be tight to do their job. And having them only snug means the next removal is even easier.

Hope this helps.
 
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